On April 29th, the Missouri Supreme Court ruled, unanimously, to uphold Proposition A. Some business groups, including the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, have been fighting tooth and nail against it since almost 58% of Missourians voted to approve the dramatic expansion of workers’ rights in last year’s November election.
“This court finds there was no election irregularity and the election results are valid,” Chief Justice Mary Russell wrote in the decision.
Over 200,000 Missourians signed a petition to get it on the ballet in the first place and over 500 business owners signed on to support. Over 720,000 workers in Missouri will directly benefit from this legislation.
Beginning May 1, 2025, employees will be able to earn one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked. Employers with fewer than 15 employees can limit usage to 40 hours per year; those with 15 or more employees can set a limit of 56 hours per year. Missouri’s minimum wage increased to $13.75 on Jan. 1, 2025 and will increase to $15 on Jan. 1, 2026 – followed by annual cost of living adjustments so the minimum wage does not lose purchasing power in the future.
Republicans in the Missouri government continue to try to pass legislation to gut Prop A, but many Democrats and pro-worker organizations are working against them to try to uphold the will of the people and the freedom of the people to pass laws like this.
Mike Draper, owner of RAYGUN clothing and design store in Kansas City, said, “The Missouri Supreme Court’s decision today to uphold Prop A is welcome news. They reaffirm what we all saw on election night in November: The vast majority of Missourians want workers to have a living wage and paid sick leave. More than 500 businesses across the state endorsed Prop A. The voters, and now the Court, have spoken. It’s time to fully implement Prop A. It will create a more level business playing field, and I look forward to the increased consumer spending that Proposition A will mean for RAYGUN and other businesses as it phases in.”
RAYGUN is a unionized print and retail store with locations across the midwest.
“This court finds there was no election irregularity and the election results are valid,” Missouri Chief Justice Mary Russell wrote in the unanimous decision.
“Today, workers saw a win at the Missouri Supreme Court with their ruling to uphold Proposition A and the will of the people! But the fight isn’t over yet. Corporate-backed special interests spent thousands to rollback Prop A and undermine the initiative petition process in this legal battle. Now, they will continue to pressure politicians in Jefferson City to do their bidding and repeal Proposition A,” said Kay Mills, Political Director for Missouri Jobs with Justice on April 29th. “January 1st impacted over 400,000 Missourians who saw a raise in their paychecks thanks to your work passing Proposition A. On May 1st, over 700,000 Missourians will finally get access to paid time off to care for themselves or their loved ones. Together, we are changing lives and providing a brighter future for Missouri families.”
“The ruling today affirms the will of over 57% of Missouri voters who approved Proposition A in November. Workers like me have spent over a decade fighting across race and place to strengthen our rights, and the Supreme Court decision today proves that when we fight, we win. On May 1, we look forward to seeing more than 700,000 Missouri workers have the opportunity to take paid time off to care for themselves and their loved ones, and we will continue to stand up for our right to the dignified benefits and wages we deserve — from the shop floor to the halls of government,” said Terrence Wise, a Stand Up KC and Missouri Workers Center leader who has worked in the fast food industry for two decades.
Supporters of Proposition A are encouraged by how many business owners are already complying or prepared to comply with the law on May 1st. When workers are invested in it increases their productivity, reduces turnover and drives our economy forward.
The victory of passing Proposition A in November was the culmination of months of work gathering signatures and educating voters. Last August, the Missouri Secretary of State certified 158,323 signatures from all across the state, which placed Proposition A on the November ballot. Prior to Election Day, the ballot measure garnered widespread grassroots support including from over 135 Missouri-based organizations.
PRO-PROP A BUSINESS OWNERS SPEAK OUT
Erik Milan, owner of Stick It In Your Ear music store in Springfield, said, “With Proposition A’s implementation, workers throughout Missouri won’t be financially pressured to come to work sick and risk spreading illnesses to other staff and customers. Plus, businesses depend on consumer spending to survive, grow and hire. When workers are paid more because of Proposition A, they can spend more at local businesses.”
Michael Schroeder, owner of Oddly Correct Coffee in Kansas City, said, “We’re looking forward to full implementation of the minimum wage increases and paid sick time. With better wages, people have more purchasing power. That’s vital for our local economy. With paid sick time, people can take better care of themselves and their families. People are healthier, workplaces are healthier and more productive, and communities are healthier.”
Joseph Chevalier, owner of Yellow Dog Bookshop in Columbia, said, “If a small bookstore like ours can provide paid sick time to employees, so can other businesses. No one should have to work sick in order to keep a roof overhead and food on the table. That’s just wrong. And it’s counterproductive for businesses.”
Laurie Knowlton, owner of Pickwick Underground Framing in Springfield, said, “I was an early supporter of Proposition A because I value my employees and know that when you take care of them, they stay longer and take good care of your customers. That’s the key to sustaining a successful small business for 25 years. Employees provide the quality and professional service that produces repeat customers.”
Employers must still give employees a written notice informing them of the following:
- they will accrue one hour of earned paid sick time for every thirty hours worked or an equivalent frontloaded amount, all of which is usable immediately as described by Missouri law;
- employers may not retaliate against employees who request or use earned paid sick time as allowed by law;
- employees have the right to commence a civil action against their employer if paid sick time is improperly denied or they are retaliated against for using it;
- and contact information for the Missouri Department of Labor.
FACTS ABOUT PROP A
The Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations created a fact sheet with top line details. You can also learn more from the Missouri Workers Center and Missouri Jobs with Justice.
Employees will start accruing paid sick time benefits May 1, 2025.
“earned paid sick time” is defined as “time that is compensated at the same hourly rate and with the same benefits, including health care benefits, as the employee normally earns during hours worked…”
All employees shall accrue one hour of “earned paid sick time” for every 30 hours worked. The hours do not need to be worked consecutively, nor do 30 hours need to be worked in one week. The employer is responsible for tracking the amount of hours to which each employee is entitled.
If an employee makes multiple hourly rates, the employer may choose between two methods to compensate them. An employer may pay the employee the wage they would have been paid for the exact hours they would have worked, or pay the weighted average of all hourly rates paid in the last pay cycle. For example, if an employee worked 35 hours at an hourly rate of $20.00 per hour and 5 hours at $25.00 per hour, the weighted average is $20.63.
For employers with fewer than 15 employees, workers are entitled to use no more than 40 hours of paid sick time per year. For employers with 15 or more employees, workers are entitled to use no more than 56 hours of paid sick time per year. An employer may permit employees to use more through their written policies if they so choose.
“Earned paid sick time” can be used to care for children, parents, spouses, domestic partners, individuals with whom the employee is in a continuing social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature, grandparents, grandchildren, siblings, or persons for whom the employee is responsible for providing or arranging health or safety-related care.
